As Cambridge scientists at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute receive a £173m investment to help study cancer, Fiona Carey, Co-Chair of the Patient Advisory Group for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, welcomes the announcement and says patients must be at the centre of cancer research.
The significant funding commitment is the single largest grant ever awarded by Cancer Research UK, outside of London. It will enable world-class discovery science, unlocking new insights into how cancers develop, grow and spread, as well as examining how the immune system can be harnessed to combat the disease.
Research at the CRUK Cambridge Institute at the University of Cambridge, focuses on understanding every stage of the cancer life cycle. By studying how tumours develop, adapt, and interact with their surroundings, scientists will aim to uncover crucial insights into their behaviour.
Fiona Carey, 63, was diagnosed with kidney cancer 23 years ago and has been receiving care at Addenbrooke's Hospital ever since. She's making sure patient voices are heard in the build of the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, a project which has involved patients right from the initial design meetings.
"We've had a real voice within the process," says Fiona.
"It’s a really exciting project, one we all want to get right. It’s been a long time coming but will massively benefit cancer treatment and research for many, many years to come.”
“From understanding and detecting cancer at its very earliest stages, to developing kinder treatments to building Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, a transformative new cancer research hospital for the region, Cambridge is changing the story of cancer.
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge,
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Deborah Prentice, continued: " For many years now, Cancer Research UK has played a vital role in enabling this world-leading work. Today’s announcement will ensure our researchers continue to find new ways to transform the lives of patients locally, nationally and internationally.”
Director of the CRUK Cambridge Institute, Professor Greg Hannon, said: “In a golden era for life sciences, this funding bolsters Cambridge as a major global hub for cancer research on an increasingly competitive worldwide stage and will greatly aid the recruitment of top-tier international talent.
“With this new funding, the Institute aims to accelerate its impact for patients, with new schemes to integrate clinicians into every aspect of our research and to embrace new technologies, including the promise of machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance our discovery portfolio.”
Fiona said while there is no cure for her cancer, she's now taking drugs to control her tumours, and she cannot have any more surgery.
She didn't expect to see her son finish school, graduate from university, or get married. But thanks to the range of cancer treatments and research taking place in Cambridge, she has continued to live a fun, full life and is enjoying spending time with her grandson Toby.
She said: "Living with cancer isn’t about drama or heroics, it’s just about dealing with it as best you can. You take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other, and you keep on keeping on. "
You can read Fiona's full story here.
You can read more on the CRUK Funding announcement here. (opens in a new tab)